Volunteer

Each year, Urbana Park District volunteers record thousands of hours leading programs and helping out in district parks and facilities.

Urbana Park District volunteers make it possible to provide the level of service we do by helping staff maximize the number of residents we can serve through recreation programs and by ensuring high-quality parks through stewardship efforts.

Community Program and Engagement Coordinator, Jacob Johnston, can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and schedule. Call 217-367-1544 (ext. 311).

Complete A Volunteer Application

Fill out this volunteer application and consent for criminal background check to get started. Email completed application to Jacob Johnston.

Current and Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

FRESH Crew Teen Volunteer Stewardship Days

*T-Shirts will be provided*

Responsibilities: Assist in invasive plant removal, planting native plants, community garden maintenance, harvesting, park clean ups and more in local areas and parks.

Time Commitment: First Saturday of the month from 2-4pm. Please contact us for a full list of opportunities.

Skills Needed: None required but this is a great opportunity for teens to get involved in the community, gain new skills, and obtain professional references. Guardians must complete this Volunteer Waiver and email it to Cathy Schneider or, if day of, print it & bring to the site.

Getting Involved: For dates follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook. For any questions, call 217-384-4062.

Victory Garden Learning Day

What can you do in the garden after your last tomato is harvested? A LOT! Come learn how to prepare your garden for the winter by volunteering with the Victory Park Solidarity Garden Supervisor. You will help clean up the plot, plant garlic, and learn about a fantastic organization. Solidarity Gardens donates produce to local organizations to distribute in our community. Education, tools, and guidance are provided, no experience necessary.

For more information, call 217-384-4062 or email Cathy Schneider at cmschneider@urbanaparks.org.

Environmental Programs Volunteer

Do you love being outdoors and want to share your passion for the environment? Environmental Programs Volunteers help with school field trips, Forest School, and other public programs and special events.

Hone your natural history knowledge and leadership skills, and make a difference to thousands of children who engage in environmental education programs each year. Share the excitement of teaching while exploring Busey Woods, Weaver park, and Meadowbrook Park's Spomer Prairie.

No experience required, but applicants must pass a background check. For more information, call 217-384-4062.

UrVANa Mobile Recreation Volunteer

UrVANa is the Urbana Park District's mobile recreation unit that travels throughout the Urbana community to bring park district activities directly to our residents, free-of-cost; including but not limited to crafts, sports, music, environmental education, sensory and wellness activities. UrVANa appearances frequently take place on weekends and evenings, and require a team of volunteers and staff to help with event setup and tear-down, to engage with the general public (often children) in various recreational settings, and to represent the District's "You Belong Here" values through actions and conversations.

Getting Involved: Please contact Jameel Jones, 217-367-1544, with any questions or interest in the role.

Note: Applicants must pass a background heck prior to volunteering with UrVANa.

Wednesday Workdays

During these two-hour sessions you might plant trees or flowers, collect or scatter seed, remove nuisance plants, maintain trails, and pick up trash as needed.

Location: Various park district natural areas; locations are announced weekly.

Getting Involved: Email Matt Balk to join the email list for weekly location announcements.

Become a Natural Areas Site Steward

Want to help nature and the environment but don't know how? Email Matt Balk with your favorite Urbana Park District natural area, and we can match you with a project. Year-round opportunities are available, from nature observer to nuisance plant remover. No experience necessary.

Trailcam Footage Volunteer

Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the full-time nature center staff, the Trailcam Footage Volunteer assists with the collecting, viewing, and sorting of footage collected from the Habitat Garden’s trail camera. This position is based at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Minimum age requirement: 17 years.

Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per month, up to 20 hours per week. Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm or Saturdays between 9am-4pm.

Numbers Needed: 2-3

Skills Needed: Knowledge of or willingness to learn how to transfer, view, & rename MP4 video files. Knowledge of or willingness to learn native wildlife identification. All equipment is supplied.

Getting Involved: To apply, email a completed UPD volunteer application including background check to Jacob Johnston. Contact Nicole Hilberg with any questions, 217-384-4062, ext. 355.

Scout Projects

Contact Jacob Johnston at 217-367-1544, ext. 311, if you're looking to complete a project. There are a number of projects on the Urbana Park District's "wish list" for the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, including:

Construction of a stage / fort frame
Construction of a "mud kitchen" with pretend oven/stove
Construction of storage boxes/bins
Sourcing and/or cutting "loose parts" items (such as nuts, sticks, logs, or wooden blocks)